Antone "Tony" Paiva, Jr., 87, of Fairhaven died Saturday January 30, 2010 at Sacred Heart Home after a brief illness. He was the husband of Lillian C. (Gomes) Paiva.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Antonio and Lidoina (Rodriques) Paiva, he lived in New Bedford and Fairhaven for most of his life.

Mr. Paiva was formerly employed as a route salesman/driver for Coyne Industrial Laundry until his retirement. He later worked for New England Ropes.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the minesweeper U.S.S. YMS-355. He was an avid golfer and and dancer and enjoyed dining out with friends.

Survivors include his wife; two stepchildren, Anne Arruda and Paul Nerbornne, both of New Bedford; a brother, Louis Paiva of New Bedford; two sisters, Gloria Costa of New Bedford and Eva Furtado of Somerset; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Henry and Alfonso Paiva.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.